Survive & Advance: Fannin Rallies To Defeat Jeff Davis & Advance To Elite 8

The Rebels continue their streak with a comeback 28-21 win over Jeff Davis in the Sweet Sixteen matchup.

 

To start the game, the Yellow Jackets were quick to capitalize off a fumbled Rebel return. They were able to score and add an extra point just eight seconds into the game.

 

A scoreless Rebel drive gave the Yellow Jackets the ball. The Jackets were able to run the length of the field eating away at the clock and finished the drive with a score and extra point making it 14-0 just under three minutes left in the quarter.

 

Lawson Sullivan and the Rebels answered quickly with four quick first downs and the score. Sullivan rushed one yard to finish the drive, and Matthew Ponton added an extra making the score 7-14 with 1:27 left in the first quarter.

 

After a strong running drive, a pass to the back corner of the end zone gave the Yellow Jackets another score. With the extra point, Jeff Davis added another seven points making it 21-7 with 5:35 left in the half.

 

An explosive defensive drive with a sack by Cooper Hilliard, another by Scott Waldrep, and the last by Noah Burnette forced the Yellow Jackets back 15 yards from the line of scrimmage and to punt the ball away.

 

The Rebels offense stared in Yellow Jacket territory after the punt. The quick drive consisted of a Sullivan pass to Callihan for a nine yard gain and a pass to Taylor to finish the drive with a touchdown. With a Ponton PAT, the score was 14-21 with a minute and a half left in the second quarter.

 

A 64 yard Sullivan run to the end zone tied up the game for the first time with 8:03 left in the third quarter.

 

After a Luke Holsonback blocked field goal, the Rebels continued with four first downs. Sullivan took the ball 40 yards into the end zone. Ponton added an extra point and gave the Rebels their first lead of the night, 28-21, with just under eleven minutes left in the game.

 

The Rebels momentum continued as Ponton kicked and recovered an onside kick. Jeff Davis answered quickly with tough defense causing a turnover on downs.

 

The Rebel defense held and ended the game with a Braden Taylor interception to secure the win and their spot in the Elite Eight.

 

The Rebels will host Northeast Macon in the Elite Eight Friday, November 29. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.